ANTILLES EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE 9a Gray St, Port of Spain Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies President: Most Rev. Gabriel Malzaire, Bishop of Roseau, Dominica Vice President: Most Rev. Charles Jason Gordon, Bishop of Bridgetown, Barbados General Secretary: Fr. John D. Persaud Telephone: OFFICE: (868) 622-2932 Fax: (868) 628-3688 CELL: (868) 736-9718 e-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.aecrc.org STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY As we witnessed the fierce and angry winds of Hurricane IRMA as it tore through many Islands in the Caribbean and the United States leaving a path of destruction and loss of life we cannot help but feel compassion and solidarity with the victims of this hurricane. The images of destruction and devastation brought to us through the media are indeed vivid and must move us into action as we seek to be united with our brothers and sisters who await our help in this their moment of need. Our response of SOLIDARITY can be expressed at various levels: 1. We can unite ourselves with all those affected through prayer. In our homes and places of worship let us unite in our prayer for those who have died and their families who mourn their loss; for those who have lost so much and in some cases everything and must now rebuild their lives, homes and communities. They must know and feel the power of our solidarity in prayer. 2. We can in our own various ways offer physical assistance by donating what we can for the immediate needs of our brothers and sisters who are suffering: water, non-perishable food items, mattresses, bed linen and blankets, clothes, etc. etc. These efforts can be organized through local church communities and Diocesan efforts. 3. We can organize within our church communities monetary collections which can be sent through the Diocese to the Bishops in the various places that are affected to assist in the rebuilding process. 4. We can look towards the more long-term help after the emergency aid is no more. Especially true for young people who need to prepare for exams next May/June. In the past churches and families have provided accommodation for these students as they prepare for exams. 5. We can support the AEC Bishops’ petition to the IMF requesting that they offer the countries affected relief through an immediate moratorium on all debt payments. Despite the destruction and devastation left behind by IRMA the human spirit cannot be crushed. Our faith in THE God of life will always lift us up and give us hope. As St. Paul reminds us: “We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed...” (2 Cor. 4:8-9). Inspired by those who have gone before us, strengthened by the intercession of our Blessed Mother and filled with the grace of our God may we be a sign of hope and strength for one another. Given at the Antilles Episcopal Conference Secretariat Port of Spain Trinidad 14th September, 2017 The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross .